A few days ago, Jim Oberstar, head of the House transportation committee, tipped his hand that he has big changes in mind for transportation policy in this country. Now his outline for the new transportation bill has leaked.
Oberstar has recently been circulating a “two-page handwritten outline” around the Hill, according to the BNA’s Daily Report for Executives, which obtained a copy of the document . They report the following tidbits:
> The outline calls for “transit equity.” Right now the feds pay 80 percent of highway projects and 50 percent of transit projects. That would change.
> It would create DOT agencies focused on a “national strategic plan” and on “mega-projects.”
> “DOT’s 108 programs [will be consolidated] into four “major formula programs”: critical asset preservation, highway safety improvement, surface transportation program, and congestion mitigation and air quality improvement.”
> The document seems to call for more transparency with transportation data.
(There’s more wonky fun — check out the original story.)
Broadly speaking, the idea of better strategic planning, better data, more performance-focused assessments of projects, and a fair footing for transit all fit under the category of much-needed changes. Sounds promising.
(Slightly random photo: Flickr - Bystedt)
SEE ALSO: Boxer: Senate Aims to Index Gas Tax to Inflation, Is Considering Mileage Charge
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